- Connect with others facing similar issues
- Learn and practice new skills in a safe space
- Share experiences and gain perspective from talking with others
- Improve self-awareness, self-confidence and social skills
- Enhance acceptance of self and others
Counseling Services at Sindecuse Health Center offers several groups open to current Western Michigan University students. Most groups meet weekly and are open to new participants. Call Counseling Services at (269) 387-1850 if you are interested in participating. You may have a brief pre-screening appointment with a counselor prior to participation in groups that are not drop-in.
Groups offered Spring 2023
Please call (269) 387-1850 to see if a group is active. If participation is low, a group may not continue to the end of the semester. Groups start the week of Feb. 6.
After Silence
Wednesdays 2–3:30 p.m. Open Empowerment group for all individuals who have experienced or witnessed physical or sexual violence. Starts Feb. 8.
Facilitated by Melissa Plair, MA, LPC and Grace Orlando, LMSW.
Art Therapy
Beyond Borders
Emotional Survival Skills
Fridays 10–11:30 a.m. Open Emotional skills crash course. Learn emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills in a supportive environment. Starts Feb. 10.
Facilitator: Rosemary Andrews, LMSW and Patrick Hanlin, M.Ed, LPC.
Finding Connection, Thriving in Relationships- Interpersonal Process Group
Thursdays 10–11:30 a.m., starts March 16 Open Friendship, romantic partnership, associations, acquaintances, family, professional relationships. Participants will explore connection within various kinds of relationships; how connection is formed, and what makes connection and relationships meaningful. Ways to establish, maintain and navigate relationships as they evolve will be explored. This group is open to all enrolled students interested in exploring ways to thrive within relationships.
Facilitators: Melissa Plair, MA, LPC and Mary Z. Anderson, Ph.D.
Graduate Students of Color Support Group
Level Up
Mindful Meditation
Fridays 10–11:30 a.m. Open An experiential mindfulness / meditation group. Starts Feb. 10.
Facilitators: Grace Orlando, LMSW and Kim Berning, LMSW.
When Parents Have Problems
Tuesdays 10–11:30 a.m. Open For students struggling with mentally ill and/or addicted parent(s). Starts Feb. 7.
Facilitators: Abbie Andrzejak, LMSW and Patrick Hanlin, M.Ed, LPC.
Women of Color
Fridays 2–3:30 p.m. Open All women who identify as a visible minority are invited to join this support group. Participants will explore the intersection of race, gender, orientation, socioeconomic status, and relationships in a safe and supportive environment. Starts Feb. 10.
Facilitators: Danielle Standish, Ph.D., and Melissa M. Plair, MA, LPC
Workshops
All workshops facilitated by Kim Berning, LMSW and Abbie Andrzejak, LMSW.